Lebanon announces national holiday in celebration of Benedict XVI’s arrival

On the occasion of the Pope’s visit to the country, the Lebanese government has declared Saturday 15 September a national holiday. “Saturday, September 15 is an official holiday and all public administrations, institutions and municipalities, as well as private and public schools and universities, will be closed for the pope’s official visit,” Lebanese PM Najib Mikati announced. The prime minister then explained that the decision was taken in order to give various parts of the Lebanese population the opportunity to welcome the Pope. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be in Harissa (Kesrouan) to welcome the Pope upon his arrival, Friday. Benedict XVI will be staying in Lebanon for 3 days.